RIAT, the Royal International Air Tattoo, has been cancelled after organisers cited uncertainty about access to RAF Fairford amid military operations linked to the Iran conflict. The event was due July 17-19 and typically draws over 150,000 visitors. Organisers said coordination with the RAF and US Air Force left too much unpredictability, while defence analysts pointed to extended US bomber deployments and the weeks-long occupation of the base as key factors. RIAT plans to return in 2027.
Royal International Air Tattoo Cancelled After RAF Fairford Access Uncertainty Tied to Iran Conflict
An Airbus concept aircraft with a wing design inspired by nature, dubbed Bird of Prey, is displayed at the Royal International Air Tattoo at Raf Fairford, near Fairford, Britain July 19, 2019. REUTERS/Tim Hepher
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), one of the world’s largest defence air shows, has been cancelled after organisers cited uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford amid military operations linked to the Iran conflict, organisers said on Friday.
Decision and Reasoning
RIAT was due to take place from July 17-19 at RAF Fairford, an active Royal Air Force station in southwest England that is also used by the United States Air Force. The show normally attracts more than 150,000 visitors each year.
This has not been an easy decision. It follows extensive discussions with the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force regarding uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford, given the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
Organisers said the prolonged and unpredictable use of the base for operations had made planning and guaranteeing access for the event untenable this year. RIAT is organised by an RAF charity and requires weeks of preparations that effectively tie up the station.
Political and Operational Context
The presence and use of British bases by US forces in relation to operations connected to Iran have become a politically sensitive matter between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump. In March, Starmer said the UK would permit limited use of its bases by US forces but would not join offensive strikes against Iran.
It is an indication that there is no guarantee that the potential for further Iran conflict will be over by July,
Every week that the B-52s and B-1s did not go home has raised questions about RIAT,
Those comments were made by British defence analyst Francis Tusa, who noted that deployments of US long-range bombers and the weeks-long occupation of RAF Fairford for event preparations raised doubts about the feasibility of staging RIAT this year.
The organisers said they intend to hold the event again in 2027. Reporting for this item was by Reuters (Andy Bruce), with additional reporting by Tim Hepher; the story was edited by Sam Tabahriti and Barbara Lewis.
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